Age Range Research Articles

Speech services by speech volunteers for children with cleft lip and palate in professional lacking area: Pilot study

Background: Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common birth defects. Children with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CP±L) face a vary of challenges, depending on the type and severity of the cleft including speech difficulty, dental problems, feeding difficulty, ear infections and hearing loss. Articulation error is the most common residual defect in children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip. Objective: To compare the numbers of pre- and post- articulation errors after using the Model of Speech Therapy by Volunteers (STV) for children with CP±L. Materials and methods: 9 children, aged range 6; 4-14; 2 years old, were included in this study and completely participated in the study. Pre- and post-articulation tests by Myanmar Articulation, Resonation, Nasal Emission and Nasal Turbulence Test were assessed at Mahamuni Monastery, and Thiriyadana Guha Pone Htoon Shan Monastery, Tachileik, Myanmar. STV is composed of a 3-day speech camp (1st month), 3 times 1-day site visits for complicated cases (2nd, 6th, and 10th months) and 3 times of 1-day follow-up speech camps (4th, 8th, and 12th months), Phonological approaches, traditional strategies, and specific techniques for speech correction in children with CP±L were taught to speech volunteers (SVs) and caregivers. Homework was assigned to SVs and caregivers. SVs provided a session of 45-minute speech correction every week. Caregivers practiced 5 sessions of 30 minutes in speech exercises /weeks at home. Results: STV revealed significant reductions in the numbers of articulation errors including articulation screening test [median difference: MD=6 (95% confident interval: CI=5.2-9.2)], and Myanmar articulation standard test at both word and sentence levels; [MD=8 (95% CI=6.5-10.8) and MD=5 (95% CI=4.2-8.3), respectively]. Conclusion: STV significantly decreased a number of articulation errors in children with CP±L of Myanmar, a professional lacking area, and could be applied in any area that has a similar situation. The result was a primary study, the further research should enroll more participants for generalization.

Investigating tedium as a predictor of personality and techno-stress in school teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic

Being a demanding profession, teaching involves the intrinsic components of stress, tiredness along with sensations of inner uneasiness. This directed the current investigation which focused on exploring the predictive nature of tedium in reference to the constructs of personality and techno-stress levels experienced by school teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a cross-sectional correlation design a non-probability purposive sample of 200 (including n = 92 men and n = 108 women) school teachers from private sector, with an age range of 22-57 years (M = 35.2, SD = 8.54) were recruited. Following the APA-mandated guidelines, the participants provided sociodemographic information and their responses to study variables on the Big-Five Personality Scale, Teacher’s Techno-stress Levels Defining Scale, and Burnout Measure. Findings suggested that tedium had a significant positive correlation with both neuroticism, and techno-stress, while a significant negative association with extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Moreover, neuroticism and techno-stress were found to be the positive predictors of tedium, while conscientiousness and agreeableness negatively predicted tedium. Gender differences indicated that women teachers reported more tedium than their male counterparts. The results highlighted the need to seriously address the factors responsible for the decline in teachers’ efficiency and competence.

Relationship between vitamin D receptor genotypes (FOK1rs2228570) and IL18 gene expression in sample of multiple sclerosis Iraqi patients

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis known as MS, this chronic inflammatory demyelinating condition affects the nervous system. It is a heterogenic and multifactorial disease. The goal of the current study was to investigate the relationship between MS patients’ IL18 gene expression and the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (FOK1rs2228570). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study to investigate the association of vitamin D receptor (FOK1rs2228570) gene polymorphism and pro inflammatory cytokine (IL18) gene expression among multiple sclerosis Iraqi patients. Detection VDR polymorphism and determine whether this SNP is involved in susceptibility to multiple sclerosis and estimation IL18 gene expression and explore its relation with multiple sclerosis susceptibility. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 75 MS patients in Iraq (30 men and 45 women), as well as from 75 volunteers who seemed to be in a favorable state of health and fell within the age range of 20 to 50 years. Tetra-ARMS Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) was used to find polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure IL18 gene expression. RESULTS: The findings from the analysis of VDR gene polymorphism in patients with MS indicated that the wild-type genotype T/T was present in 8 individuals, accounting for 10.6%, the heterogeneous genotype TC was 36 (48%), and the homogeneous genotype CC was 31 (41.3%), whilst T allele frequency was 52(34.6%) and C allele was 98(65.3%) with (P⩽ 0.01) significant difference and even as in control T/T genotype was 49(65.3%), TC genotype was 21(28%), CC genotype was 5(6.66%), T allele frequency was 119(79.3%) and C allele was 31(20.6%) with significant difference (P⩽ 0.001). While estimation of IL18 expression showed high elevation in patients’ group (2.59 ± 0.51 fold) by significance difference (P⩽ 0.5) when compared to control group (1.35 ± 0.14 fold). The relationship between IL18 gene expression with VDR variant in MS patients demonstrated a significant rise (2.9 ± 0.51 fold) at CC genotype patients in IL18 folding gene expression, followed by (4.6 ± 0.17 fold) in TC genotype patients and finally (1.4 ± 0.08 fold) in TT genotype patients with highly significant (P⩽ 0.01). CONCLUSION: The VDR(FOK1rs2228570) genotype was significantly correlated with IL18 expression in MS patients from Iraq.

The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: Development, Implementation, Uptake, and Reflections on the Inaugural Program.

Biomechanics as a discipline is ideally placed to increase awareness and participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A nationwide Biomechanics and Research Innovation Challenge (BRInC) centered on mentoring and role modeling was developed to engage high school girls (mentees) and early-mid-career women (mentors) in the field of biomechanics through the completion of a 100-day research and/or innovation project. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and uptake of the inaugural BRInC program and synthesizes the research and innovation projects undertaken, providing a framework for adoption of this program within the global biomechanics community. Eighty-seven high school girls in years 9 and 10 (age range: 14-16y) were mentored in teams (n = 17) by women in biomechanics (n = 24). Using a design thinking approach, teams generated solutions to biomechanics-based problem(s)/research question(s). Eight key reflections on program strengths, as well as areas for improvement and planned changes for future iterations of the BRInC program, are outlined. These key reflections highlight the innovation, impact, and scalability of the program; the importance of a program framework and effective communication tools; and implementation of strategies to sustain the program as well as the importance of diversity and building a sense of community.

Correlation between tumor invasion and somatostatin receptor subtypes in acromegaly.

The low expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in somatotropinoma is associated with a poor response to somatostatin analogs (SSAs). However, the correlation between SSTRs and tumor invasion has not yet been clarified. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate the relationship between SSTRs and tumor invasion, as well as the correlation between tumor invasiveness and pharmacological response to SSAs. A total of 102 patients with acromegaly who underwent surgery between December 2016 and December 2021 at the largest pituitary tumor surgery center in southern China were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the noninvasive tumor group (Knosp grades 0-2 and Hardy-Wilson grade I or II) and invasive group (either Knosp grade 3 or 4 or Hardy-Wilson grade III or IV). The positive response to SSAs was defined by the following criteria after at least 3 months of SSA treatment: 1) ≥ 50% reduction or age- and sex-adjusted normal range of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level; 2) ≥ 80% reduction in or normal range of growth hormone (GH) level; or 3) > 20% reduction in tumor volume. The reference for the normal range of age- and sex-adjusted serum IGF-1 levels was derived from a survey of 2791 healthy adults (1339 males and 1452 females) in China. Demographics and clinical characteristics including tumor size, biochemical assessment, expression levels of SSTRs, and response to preoperative SSAs were compared between the invasive group and noninvasive group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the association between SSTR2 and tumor invasion. Compared with the noninvasive group, the invasive group presented with a larger tumor size (9.99 ± 10.41 cm3 vs 3.50 ± 4.02 cm3, p < 0.001), relatively lower SSTR2 expression (p < 0.001), and poorer response to SSAs (36.4% vs 91.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between SSTR2 mRNA level and tumor size (r = -0.214, p = 0.031). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression of SSTR1, SSTR3, and SSTR5 between the groups. ROC analysis revealed that the low SSTR2 mRNA level was closely associated with tumor invasion (area under the curve 0.805, p < 0.0001). Tumor invasion is negatively correlated with SSTR2 level but is not associated with other SSTR subtypes. Patients with invasive tumors have a poorer response to SSA therapy, which may be due to the low level of SSTR2 expression. Therefore, SSTR2 could be considered as a routine investigative marker for aiding management of postoperative residual tumors.

705 Urgent or Emergent Endovascular Intervention for Neurological Deficits Post-carotid Endarterectomy: A Single-institutional Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Historically the management of acute neurological deficit following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been operative re-exploration; however, given the proliferation of endovascular techniques, and utilization of CT angiography, endovascular intervention is an alternative to redo-CEA. METHODS: All patients undergoing CEA in the Department of Neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI) were reviewed. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify papers relevant to endovascular procedures addressing acute neurological deficits following CEA, which yielded 2499 unique articles. Review by 2 investigators revealed 12 relevant articles. RESULTS: Four patients from our institutional cohort met inclusion criteria. Among these, stenting was technically successful in 3 patients, 2 of which achieved near-full recovery. One patient underwent successful carotid stenting and ipsilateral M2 thrombectomy for tandem occlusion. Stent placement was unsuccessful in the remaining patient due to mechanical constriction. Articles obtained through the literature review revealed 57 further relevant cases. Of those with sufficiently complete data, 30/39 (76.9%) were male with an age range of 43 - 78 years old. Twenty-eight of 32 (87.5%) patients underwent CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. Post-CEA angiographic evaluation was most commonly conducted for routine completion imaging (21/57, 36.8%), non-specific stroke symptoms (15/57, 26.3%), and extremity weakness (7/57, 12.3%). Thrombotic stenosis (23/43, 53.4%) and arterial dissection (15/43, 34.9%) were the most common angiography findings. Two (3.5%) stent procedures were unsuccessful, and in the immediate postoperative period 8 patients (14.0%) had significant neurological deficits and only 3 deaths (5.3%) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular intervention may be considered in situations where patients have neurological deficit after CEA. Direct comparison of outcomes in patients who have endovascular intervention vs. redo CEA may help identify the optimal management strategy.

Sleep loss and emotion: A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 50 years of experimental research.

In a largely sleep-deprived society, quantifying the effects of sleep loss on emotion is critical for promoting psychological health. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the effects of various forms of sleep loss on multiple aspects of emotional experiences. Eligible studies used experimental reductions of sleep via total sleep deprivation, partial sleep restriction, or sleep fragmentation in healthy populations to examine effects on positive affect, negative affect, general mood disturbances, emotional reactivity, anxiety symptoms, and/or depressive symptoms. In total, 1,338 effect sizes across 154 studies were included (N = 5,717; participant age range = 7-79 years). Random effects models were conducted, and all forms of sleep loss resulted in reduced positive affect (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.27 to -1.14), increased anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.57-0.63), and blunted arousal in response to emotional stimuli (SMD = -0.20 to -0.53). Findings for negative affect, reports of emotional valence in response to emotional stimuli, and depressive symptoms were mixed and depended on the type of sleep loss. Nonlinear effects for the amount of sleep loss as well as differences based on the stage of sleep restricted (i.e., rapid eye movement sleep or slow-wave sleep) were also detected. This study represents the most comprehensive quantitative synthesis of experimental sleep and emotion research to date and provides strong evidence that periods of extended wakefulness, shortened sleep duration, and/or nighttime awakenings adversely influence human emotional functioning. Findings provide an integrative foundation for future research on sleep and emotion and elucidate the precise ways that inadequate sleep may impact our daytime emotional lives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Evaluation of the inter-arm blood pressure difference in subjects with hypertension in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra state

Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevated blood pressure with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140mmHg or more and a diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or more. The evaluation of the inter-arm blood pressure difference in subjects with hypertension in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra state was done via sampling techniques. The study population was obtained using convenience sampling method and comprised of male and female hypertensive patients aged 25 to 90 years, from the cardiology unit NAUTH Nnewi. Normotensive subjects of the same age range and gender were used as control. The sample size was determined to be 70 subjects using this formula: n= (z2pq)/d2). The result of the finding showed that there was a significant increase in the mean age when the control was compared to the hypertensive group, and no significant difference in their weight, height and BMI. Furthermore, the findings of this research also supported a significant increase in the left arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the control compared to the hypertensive groups. Also, the mean right systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant increase when the control was compared to the hypertensive group. The inter-arm systolic and diastolic blood pressure had no significant difference when control was compared to the hypertensive group.

Loneliness among Substance Abusers of Type A and B Personality

The present research aimed to explore feelings of loneliness among substance abusers of type A and B personality. The study shows the difference between substance abusers and normal individuals. The sample consisted of N= 120 participants, substance abusers (60) and normal individuals (60). Their age range was 25-40 years. Only male substance abusers were included in the study. Demographic variables were also analyzed. The study shows the difference between substance abusers and normal individuals. Findings show that normal individuals have less loneliness level in type B as compared to drug-addicted type A personality. It was also found that loneliness is directly correlated to type A personality and indirectly correlated to type B personality of drug addicts.

The impact of alcohol consumption on employee job performance

Background: Most people know that job performance generally refers to how well an employee is accomplishing his or her tasks and achieve the target, but there are number of factors that determine the level and quality of employee job performance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Alcohol consumption on the self-reported work performance among the people of Jalalabad, Kyrgystan. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done through online Google forms for a period of 3 months from September to November 2023 among 160 local people. Various dimensions of work performance are compared across different levels of alcohol consumption in the study. Result: In this study the respondents age range was 20-40 years with mean age of 30±1 years. Out of 160 respondents, male predominance was found over females with 68.1%. The largest percentage 67.5% of them consume alcohol due the stress they have in their Job. Most respondents 67.5% were found to have no family history of drinking alcohol. Regarding the impact of their job performance, only 23.9%(n=28) respondents experiences a significant impact on their job performance. Conclusion: Our study into the impact of alcohol drinking among Jalalabad residents revealed a concerning prevalence of 73% of the 160 respondents. This emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, community education, and support networks in addressing alcohol's influence on the local population's well-being. Understanding and tackling the underlying causes of alcohol misuse in Jalalabad will be critical to building a better and more resilient community.

Distraction Osteogenesis by Ring Fixator in Post Traumatic Tibial Bone Loss

Background: Reconstructing segmental bone loss defects presents a significant challenge within the field of orthopedics. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and radiological results of using the Ilizarov technique for tibia reconstruction following traumatic bone loss. Methods: This study was a prospective study involving 30 patients who experienced tibial bone loss in the diaphysis or metaphysis following trauma. These patients were treated with a ring fixator (Ilizarov) from March 2021 to February 2023. Unfortunately, five patients were lost to follow-up, leaving a cohort of 25 patients who were observed for a duration ranging from 9 to 12 months. Results: The current study involved 25 patients with post-traumatic tibial bone loss. The age range was 14 to 48 years, with a mean age of 28.4±8.8 years. Among the cases, 18 had a moderate defect (72%), which was significantly higher than those with a minor defect (20%) (P ≤ 0.05). Deformity was less than 7° in most cases (96%), while only one case had deformity greater than 7° (4%) (P ≤ 0.05(. Leg length discrepancy was less than 2.5 cm in the majority (96%), with only one case having a 3 cm length discrepancy (4%) (P ≤ 0.05). By the end of the follow-up period, all patients showed perfect union, enabling them to engage in daily activities post-operatively. Conclusion: The success of corticotomy and solid docking relies on well-vascularized bone and soft tissue. Soft tissue compromise at the corticotomy site can hinder healthy tissue regeneration.

Adaptive Optics Retinal Imaging in RDH12-Associated Early Onset Severe Retinal Dystrophy.

RDH12 is among the most common genes found in individuals with early-onset severe retinal (EOSRD). Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) enables resolution of individual rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. This study presents the first AOSLO imaging of individuals with RDH12-associated EOSRD. Case series of patients who attended Moorfields Eye Hospital (London, UK). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance (NIR), and blue autofluorescence imaging were analyzed. En face image sequences of photoreceptors were recorded using either of two AOSLO modalities. Cross-sectional analysis was undertaken for seven patients and longitudinal analysis for one patient. Nine eyes from eight patients are presented in this case series. The mean age at the time of the assessment was 11.2 ± 6.5years of age (range 7-29). A subfoveal continuous ellipsoid zone (EZ) line was present in eight eyes. Posterior pole AOSLO revealed patches of cone mosaics. Average cone densities at regions of interest 0.5° to the fovea ranged from 12,620 to 23,660 cells/mm2, whereas intercell spacing ranged from 7.0 to 9.7µm. This study demonstrates that AOSLO can provide useful high-quality images in patients with EOSRD, even during childhood, with nystagmus, and early macular atrophy. Cones at the posterior pole can appear as scattered islands or, possibly later in life, as a single subfoveal conglomerate. Detailed image analysis suggests that retinal pigment epithelial stress and dysfunction may be the initial step toward degeneration, with NIR being a useful tool to assess retinal well-being in RDH12-associated EOSRD.

Abstract 2961: Investigating the role of aging and treatment-induced senescence in the metastatic liver cancer tumor microenvironment

Abstract Liver senescence, marked by the progressive decline in hepatic cell function and regenerative capacity, plays a vital role in the context of aging, chronic liver diseases, and cancer progression, particularly when influenced by anti-cancer therapies. This study is designed to extensively characterize liver senescence under two specific conditions: replicative aging and therapy-induced changes. We examined liver samples from 20 individuals, covering a wide age range (young, &amp;lt;40 years; old, &amp;gt;60 years), and 16 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis (ages 37-66). Our integrative approach melds single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) and ATAC-sequencing (snATAC-seq) to investigate the transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes across a spectrum of liver cell types, including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and diverse immune cells. Key findings include an upregulation of senescence markers such as CDKN1A, CDKN2A, and HMGB1, particularly in specific hepatocytes from older individuals and various cell types in the CRC liver metastasis group. Furthermore, we noted a distinctive senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) across multiple immune cell types in our treated CRC liver metastasis group and upregulation of treatment-induced senescence gene signatures, such as SenCan. Moreover, hepatic stellate cells from older subjects exhibited augmented senescence-related gene signatures (SenSig) and transcription factors (SenMayo), with myofibroblast-like and FAP+ stellate cells showing a marked senescence phenotype, evidenced by elevated SASP molecule expression (CCL2, SERPINE1, GLB1, IGFBP7, IGFBP3).Incorporating advanced high-resolution imaging techniques, our study delves into the detailed morphological characteristics and spatial distribution of senescence markers within the liver in the setting of replicative aging and treatment-induced senescence. This study sheds light on the heterogeneity and intricacies of senescence-associated gene expression within liver cell populations. By combining comprehensive multiomic data with advanced high-resolution spatial profiling, we aim to decipher unique senescence phenotypes in the context of both replicative and treatment-induced senescence. Our work highlights the significance of cellular senescence in liver pathologies and cancer progression, suggesting new directions for therapeutic interventions that target these complex dynamics. Citation Format: Kelsey Gallant, Alla Karpova, Xiang Li, Michael Iglesia, Andrew Houston, Daniel Rapp, Chien-Wei Peng, Clara Liu, John Herdon, Feng Chen, Ryan Fields, Li Ding. Investigating the role of aging and treatment-induced senescence in the metastatic liver cancer tumor microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2961.

The Early Iron Age elite grave from the Kapiteljska njiva barrow cemetery (Novo mesto, Slovenia): an approach to dental profiling through non-invasive and minimally-invasive techniques.

Kapiteljska njiva is a prehistoric cemetery located in the town of Novo mesto in southern Slovenia. There is a long history of archaeological research at this site, as the first investigations date back to the end of the 19th century. In 2004, an Early Iron Age barrow XVI was investigated. The oldest surviving grave in the barrow is the central grave, numbered XVI/34, which according to its position and the richness of the grave goods, belongs to a woman of higher status. Most likely, she was the first member or initiator of a family that continued to bury its dead in the barrow for the next 300 years. There were no preserved skeletal elements; however, in the head part of the grave, remains of human teeth, mostly the tooth crowns and the shells of enamel from the tooth crowns, were found among the scattered amber beads of a necklace. Moreover, these tooth remains are one of the few human biological materials (mostly fragments of skull and long limb bones) unearthed in this cemetery, reflecting the influence of acidic soil from the burial site. This study aimed to create a dental profile of the deceased in a similar way as during a forensic investigation. The remains were examined macroscopically and stereo-microscopically. The morphological traits were scored following the ASUDAS protocol. Ancestry was estimated by entering these scores into a beta version of the web-based application rASUDAS. Brothwell's system was used for age at death estimation from occlusal attrition. Identification of sex was based on the analysis of sex-specific amelogenin isoforms in dental enamel by nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). The present study reveals that the dental remains from Kapiteljska njiva belong to the permanent dentition of a single individual and that only the right upper central incisor and third molar are completely absent. The remains of teeth exhibit a simple external morphology, characterised by the absence of morphological dental traits, with a notable exception of the two-rooted left lower canine. The probability of assigning this individual to the Western Eurasian ancestry group is 98%. According to the degree of dentine exposure on the occlusal surfaces of molars, the estimated age range is 17-25 years. Another line of evidence comes from the observation that the first signs of approximal attrition are present in lower third molars but absent in the only preserved upper counterpart, indicating that the age at which the lower third molars entered into occlusion represents a proxy of the individual's age at death. Data on the chronology of the lower third molar development and eruption in present-day European populations from forensic literature (Brkić et al. 2011; Olze et al. 2008; Selmanagić et al. 2013) and The London Atlas confirm the above age-range estimate. Caution is, however, needed in the interpretation of results, because reference data are not based on the population of the individual's origin. Proteomic analysis classified the individual as a female, which is in line with the archaeological evidence. No pathological lesions or indicators of systemic stress were identified; however, the absence of approximal attrition facets in upper anterior teeth indicates interdental spacing. The results of dental profiling are discussed in the context of historical background, today's clinical knowledge, and epidemiological data.

The Effect of Polymorphisms and Other Biomarkers on Infliximab Exposure in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Development of a Population Pharmacokinetic Model.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of infliximab has been shown to be a effective strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling can predict trough concentrations for individualized dosing. The aim of this study was to develop a PopPK model of infliximab in a paediatric population with IBD, assessing the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other biomarkers on infliximab clearance. This observational and ambispective single-centre study was conducted in paediatric patients with IBD treated with infliximab between July 2016 and July 2022 in the Paediatric Gastroenterology Service of the Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (HUVH) (Spain). Demographic, clinical, and analytical variables were collected. Twenty SNPs potentially associated with variations in the response to infliximab plasma concentrations were analysed. infliximab serum concentrations and antibodies to infliximab (ATI) were determined by ELISA. PopPK modelling was performed using nonlinear mixed-effects analysis (NONMEM). Thirty patients (21 males) were included. The median age (range) at the start of infliximab treatment was 13 years (16 months to 16 years). A total of 190 samples were obtained for model development (49 [25.8%] during the induction phase). The pharmacokinetics (PK) of infliximab were described using a two-compartment model. Weight, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), faecal calprotectin (FC), and the SNP rs1048610 (ADAM17) showed statistical significance for clearance (CL), and albumin for inter-compartmental clearance (Q). Estimates of CL1 (genotype 1-AA), CL2 (genotype 2-AG), CL3 (genotype 3-GG), Q, Vc, and Vp (central and peripheral distribution volumes) were 0.0066L/h/46.4kg, 0.0055L/h/46.4kg, 0.0081L/h/46.4kg, 0.0029L/h/46.4kg, 0.6750L/46.4kg, and 1.19L/46.4kg, respectively. The interindividual variability (IIV) estimates for clearance, Vc, and Vp were 19.33, 16.42, and 36.02%, respectively. A popPK model utilising weight, albumin, FC, ESR, and the SNP rs1048610 accurately predicted infliximab trough concentrations in children with IBD.

Age, Political Participation, and Political Context in Africa.

Political participation differs across the age range, but little is known about these patterns outside of developed countries. Political context is a particularly important consideration for all political behavior in Africa, where only a few countries are fully democratic. Drawing from political opportunity structures theory, we investigate how political freedom conditions the age-based pattern of electoral and nonelectoral political engagement, as well as protesting. This study merges the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds of the Afrobarometer data sets, spanning 36 African countries, with country-level data on political freedom from Freedom House. Using multilevel regression models, we examine how political freedom shapes the relationship between age and 3 forms of political participation. Africans aged from 18 to 60 years and living in nonfree countries are most engaged in electoral and nonelectoral political activities, though participation begins to drop markedly past age 60. For protest participation, young Africans living in partially and non-free countries are the most engaged in protests; yet limited political freedom again means a sharp age-based decline. The impact of political context on the age-participation association is nuanced in ways not anticipated by mainstream research on the developed West. Repressive regimes, while spurring engagement at younger ages, appear to disproportionately deter older Africans from political engagement, especially its riskiest forms. We conclude by calling for more country-comparative gerontological research with careful attention to contextual heterogeneity, particularly in the understudied Global South.

Patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of digital technology to support exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: a qualitative interview study.

Despite the well-known benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and adherence to secondary prevention recommendations remain limited. Digital technologies have the potential to address low participation and adherence but attempts at implementing digital health interventions in real-life clinical practice frequently encounter various barriers. Studies about patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of digital technology can assist developers, researchers and clinicians in addressing or pre-empting patient-related barriers. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the experiences and perspectives of cardiac rehabilitation patients in Austria with regard to using digital technology for physical activity and exercise. Twenty-five current and former cardiac rehabilitation patients (18 men and 7 women, age range 39 to 83) with various cardiac conditions were recruited from a clinical site in Salzburg, Austria. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed a descriptive phenomenological approach, applying the framework analysis method. The sample was diverse, including interviewees who readily used digital devices to support their physical activity, exercise and health monitoring, and interviewees who did not. Simplicity, convenience and accessibility were highlighted as important facilitators for the use of digital technology, while annoyance with digital devices, concerns about becoming dependent on them, or simply a preference to not use digital technology were commonly stated reasons for non-use. Interviewees' views on data protection, data sharing and artificial intelligence revealed wide variations in individuals' prior knowledge and experience about these topics, and a need for greater accessibility and transparency of data protection regulation and data sharing arrangements. These findings support the importance that is attributed to user-centred design methodologies in the conceptualisation and design of digital health interventions, and the imperative to develop solutions that are simple, accessible and that can be personalised according to the preferences and capabilities of the individual patient. Regarding data protection, data sharing and artificial intelligence, the findings indicate opportunity for information and education, as well as the need to offer patients transparency and accountability in order to build trust in digital technology and digital health interventions.

The Sources of Happiness in Preadolescence and Adolescence: A Multi-Method and Multi-Informant Perspective

AbstractResearch on happiness in preadolescence and adolescence has been limited regarding the sources of happiness. The present study aims to explore such sources in preadolescents and adolescents through a multi-method and multi-informant approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 77 family triads: children (age range: 11–19; M = 13.90, SD = 2.70; 61% female), mothers (M = 47.50, SD = 4.35), and fathers (M = 50.53, SD = 5.30). The triads were asked to define happiness from children’s perspective, describe what makes children happy, and indicate children’s levels of happiness. Using quantitative data, preadolescents exhibited higher individual happiness levels than adolescents, and fathers reported higher levels of children’s happiness than mothers. Through Thematic Analysis, five primary sources of happiness emerged: Social relationships, Family relationships, Personal interests, Achievement, and Entertainment. Social relationships was the most recurring theme across the narratives of both preadolescents/adolescents and parents. The second most recurring theme was Personal interests for preadolescents/adolescents and Family relationships for parents. Parents notably more frequently mentioned Achievement than children. Males displayed a higher propensity to report the Entertainment theme than females, while females reported the Family relationships and Social relationships themes more frequently. Preadolescents exhibited a higher occurrence of the Entertainment and Family relationships themes than adolescents. Regarding the concordance of themes between children and their parents, low overall levels of agreement were observed, all below 40%. The highest levels of concordance were found between mothers and fathers rather than between parents and children. The results could provide valuable insights to parents and educators on how to help youth promote their happiness.

Current Effect of Mother-Child Memory Talk on Emotion Regulation, Self-Esteem, and Memory

Children talking to their parents more frequently about past experiences tend to have higher emotion regulation skills and self-esteem in their future lives, which may lead to higher volume and richer emotional content in future memories. Previous research also indicated that self-esteem has a strong bond with emotion regulation skills. This study’s aim is to measure the mediator roles of emotion regulation difficulty and self-esteem on the relationship between childhood maternal reminiscing frequency and the volume and emotional content of the current memory experienced with the mother. Additionally, mediator roles of self-esteem in the connection between past maternal reminiscing and emotion regulation difficulty, and emotion regulation difficulty in the relationship between self-esteem and the current memory variables (i.e., total words, total emotion and unique emotion words) are examined. Participants (N=124, the age range was 22-39) filled out Rosenberg Self-Esteem, Emotion Regulation Difficulty, and Family Reminiscence Scales and wrote down one negatively-charged recent memory about their mothers. Path analysis revealed significant positive associations between past maternal reminiscing and self-esteem, emotion regulation difficulty, and total and unique emotion words in recent memory, and negative association between self-esteem and emotion regulation difficulty, supporting half of the mediation hypotheses. Results supported the notion that the frequency of parent-child reminiscing conversations in childhood is a parameter of child development since it can show its prospective effect via improving self-esteem and emotional functioning. Gender differences were not evident for current memory variables but more research on this issue is needed to reach more precise conclusions.

Voxel-Based Morphometry of Optimistic and Pessimistic Brains: A Detailed Study Focusing on Age Range and Gender

The aim of the present study was to investigate brain volumes in pessimist and optimist participants. Therefore, in the present voxel-based morphometry research, it is investigated whether optimism has a corresponding counterpart in the structure of the brain. Thirty-two participants were screened via a publicly available dataset to test for this. The participants are divided into two groups: low optimists and high optimists, each with sixteen people. In comparison, a significant difference (P